0
A tongue biopsy is surgery to remove a piece of the tongue for examination under a microscope.
Alternative NamesBiopsy - tongue
How the test is performedA tongue biopsy can be done using a needle. After numbing the area, the health care provider gently sticks the needle into the tongue and removes a tiny piece of tissue.
Some types of tongue biopsies remove a thin slice of tissue. Others are done under general anesthesia (asleep and no pain) so that larger areas, such as lesion, growth, or other abnormal area of the tongue, may be removed and examined. See also: Surgical excision
How to prepare for the testYou may be told not to eat or drink anything for several hours before the test.
How the test will feelA needle biopsy is often somewhat uncomfortable even with use of an anesthetic, because the tongue is quite sensitive. After the biopsy, the tongue can be tender or sore, and it may feel slightly swollen. There may be stitches or an open sore where the biopsy was done.
Why the test is performedThe test is done to determine the cause of abnormal growths, lesions, or suspicious-appearing areas of the tongue.
Normal ValuesThere is normal tongue tissue, with no abnormal inclusions or cellular changes.
Note: Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.
What abnormal results mean- Amyloidosis
- Tongue (oral) cancer
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Swelling of the tongue (can obstruct the airway and cause breathing difficulty)
Note: Complications are rare.
ReferencesRobinson PN. Early diagnosis of oral cavity cancers. Otolaryngol Clin North Am. Apr 2006; 39(2): 295-306.
Noonan VL. Diagnosis and management of suspicious lesions of the oral cavity. Otolaryngol Clin North Am. Feb 2005; 38(1): 21-35, vii.
Still curious? Ask our experts.
Chat with our AI personalities
Taiga
Fran
ViviA tongue biopsy is a medical procedure where a small sample of tissue from the tongue is removed for examination under a microscope. It is often done to diagnose suspicious growths, ulcers, or other abnormalities on the tongue. The biopsy results can help determine the cause of the issue and guide appropriate treatment.
A tongue biopsy is surgery to remove a piece of the tongue for examination under a microscope.
Alternative NamesBiopsy - tongue
How the test is performedA tongue biopsy can be done using a needle. After numbing the area, the health care provider gently sticks the needle into the tongue and removes a tiny piece of tissue.
Some types of tongue biopsies remove a thin slice of tissue. Others are done under general anesthesia (asleep and pain-free) so that larger areas may be removed and examined.
See also: Surgical excision
How to prepare for the testYou may be told not to eat or drink anything for several hours before the test.
How the test will feelA needle biopsy is often somewhat uncomfortable even with use of an anesthetic, because the tongue is quite sensitive. After the biopsy, the tongue can be tender or sore, and it may feel slightly swollen. There may be stitches or an open sore where the biopsy was done.
Why the test is performedThe test is done to determine the cause of abnormal growths or suspicious-looking areas of the tongue.
Normal ValuesThere is normal tongue tissue, with no abnormal changes.
What abnormal results mean- Amyloidosis
- Tongue (oral) cancer
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Swelling of the tongue (can obstruct the airway and cause breathing difficulty)
Note: Complications are rare.
ReferencesRobinson PN. Early diagnosis of oral cavity cancers. Otolaryngol Clin North Am. Apr 2006; 39(2): 295-306.
Noonan VL. Diagnosis and management of suspicious lesions of the oral cavity. Otolaryngol Clin North Am. Feb 2005; 38(1): 21-35, vii.
Reviewed ByReview Date: 03/05/2011
Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine; and Seth Schwartz, MD, MPH, Otolaryngologist, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
Add your answer:
Earn +20 pts
Tongue problems?
Some common tongue problems include canker sores, oral thrush, and geographic tongue. Canker sores are small ulcers that can be painful and heal on their own. Oral thrush is a fungal infection that can cause white patches on the tongue. Geographic tongue is a condition where the tongue has irregular patches that change in location over time. If you are experiencing persistent or severe tongue problems, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.
How do you use the word lunged in in a sentence?
I had a lung infection. The doctor ordered a biopsy of the patient's left lung.
What does the suffix -tome mean?
The suffix -tome means "instrument used for cutting" or "cutting instrument," and is often used in medical terminology to refer to an instrument used for cutting or incising tissue, such as a dermatome or a biopsy.
Is the prefix 'bi' Greek?
Yes, the prefix 'bi' is of Greek origin. It means "two" or "twice."
What does the suffix -opsy mean?
The suffix -opsy means "to examine" or "to view." It is commonly used in medical terminology to indicate a procedure or examination, such as in the words autopsy (examination of a body after death) and biopsy (examination of a tissue sample).
